culture
March 14, 2026
Don’t denounce Timothée Chalamet for what he said about opera and ballet – prove him wrong
For these art forms to thrive, they need to attract young people. The Oscar contender’s comments are just the conversation starter they need
TL;DR
- Timothée Chalamet stated he doesn't want to work in art forms like ballet or opera that are perceived as having dwindling relevance.
- His comments drew criticism from organizations and performers, but the article suggests they highlight a need for evolution.
- While organizations like the Royal Ballet and Opera claim large audiences, they face challenges with dwindling numbers post-Covid, leading to fewer productions and industry job losses.
- The article argues that opera and ballet are becoming niche interests, akin to stamp-collecting or blacksmithing, and appreciation alone won't ensure their future.
- Efforts like free tickets for young people are mentioned, but the core issue is making these art forms more appealing than contemporary entertainment options.
- The author shares a personal anecdote about opera and ballet feeling inaccessible to working-class individuals.
- The article suggests that embracing audacity and inventiveness, similar to contemporary theatre and cinema marketing, is key to attracting new audiences.
- Potential solutions include commissioning contemporary artists to create new works or exploring collaborations with popular musicians.
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